Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[Cyanide Rose]

Hi rehabbers! This is very new to me and I am very thankful for rkiz’s help with two MCM bags that I purchased. They came out really, really nice and that has now sparked my interest in rehabbing more vintage handbags. I purchased quite a few bags recently and two of them are coach bags. The dark navy bag has a couple minor scratches and seems pretty dry, so I’m guess that I should use the leather CPR on it? The other (Brown) bag is an older pebble leather bag that I purchased for a couple dollars, because it is in pretty bad shape. Honestly, do you think this bag can be saved? I completely understand if it’s a lost cause, but I figured I’m not losing too much if it is and I would like to try to see what could do for it. There are also a few pen marks on it as well. They are not too distracting, but if there is a chance I could remove them, I’d like to try. I really appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thanks so much [emoji4]

 

[whateve]

Hi rehabbers! This is very new to me and I am very thankful for rkiz’s help with two MCM bags that I purchased. They came out really, really nice and that has now sparked my interest in rehabbing more vintage handbags. I purchased quite a few bags recently and two of them are coach bags. The dark navy bag has a couple minor scratches and seems pretty dry, so I’m guess that I should use the leather CPR on it? The other (Brown) bag is an older pebble leather bag that I purchased for a couple dollars, because it is in pretty bad shape. Honestly, do you think this bag can be saved? I completely understand if it’s a lost cause, but I figured I’m not losing too much if it is and I would like to try to see what could do for it. There are also a few pen marks on it as well. They are not too distracting, but if there is a chance I could remove them, I’d like to try. I really appreciate any suggestions you can give me. Thanks so much [emoji4]View attachment 3983853View attachment 3983855View attachment 3983856View attachment 3983857View attachment 3983858

I would probably wash the navy one. Soak it for 15 to 20 minutes in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then stuff it so it dries in the correct shape. It will absorb conditioner much better after that. Start conditioning when it is almost dry.

The brown one doesn't look bad. I have washed this kind too, but you have to be careful that the navy lining doesn't bleed onto the leather. If you don't want to wash it, you can pull out the lining and just wash it or spot clean it. You can use the same conditioners on this leather, just make sure you buff well and no conditioner gets clogged into the divots. Every method for removing ink tends to remove the leather color as well, so I usually don't use them except on very light colors. Because it is pebbled you might be successful in using acrylic paint to cover the ink without it being noticeable. I like using puff fabric paint if you can find a matching color, or mix colors to match. It covers better than regular acrylic and you can make bumps to mimic the pebbles.

 

[Cyanide Rose]

I would probably wash the navy one. Soak it for 15 to 20 minutes in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and then stuff it so it dries in the correct shape. It will absorb conditioner much better after that. Start conditioning when it is almost dry.

The brown one doesn't look bad. I have washed this kind too, but you have to be careful that the navy lining doesn't bleed onto the leather. If you don't want to wash it, you can pull out the lining and just wash it or spot clean it. You can use the same conditioners on this leather, just make sure you buff well and no conditioner gets clogged into the divots. Every method for removing ink tends to remove the leather color as well, so I usually don't use them except on very light colors. Because it is pebbled you might be successful in using acrylic paint to cover the ink without it being noticeable. I like using puff fabric paint if you can find a matching color, or mix colors to match. It covers better than regular acrylic and you can make bumps to mimic the pebbles.

Thank you so much whateve [emoji4] I will wash them this weekend and see what happens. Thanks again for all you suggestions [emoji5]

 

[tlatrice]

Hi all!

I'm watching this bag on eBay and I'm wondering can it be salvaged. I'm late to the handbag party but I've seen the Coach Burough bag in Alpine Moss and I want one SOOOOOOO bad! Can these stains be cleaned? What about the hardware? Or should I look for another one elsewhere?

 

[whateve]

Hi all!

I'm watching this bag on eBay and I'm wondering can it be salvaged. I'm late to the handbag party but I've seen the Coach Burough bag in Alpine Moss and I want one SOOOOOOO bad! Can these stains be cleaned? What about the hardware? Or should I look for another one elsewhere? View attachment 3984327 View attachment 3984348

I doubt the hardware can be fixed. It is iffy whether the leather will respond to conditioning but it might. Some water stains go away or significantly improve if a bag is dunked in warm water, but since it is a newer bag, it probably won't rehab as well as a vintage bag. And dunking might spoil the shape or cause bleeding. The handles look like they have darkened from hand oils. That is very hard to clean.

 

[tlatrice]

I doubt the hardware can be fixed. It is iffy whether the leather will respond to conditioning but it might. Some water stains go away or significantly improve if a bag is dunked in warm water, but since it is a newer bag, it probably won't rehab as well as a vintage bag. And dunking might spoil the shape or cause bleeding. The handles look like they have darkened from hand oils. That is very hard to clean.

Thanks for letting me know. I'll pass on this one and wait for one in better condition.

 

[Goldenglow]

My aunt handed down a Coach Willis 1999 which was authenticated by whateve. I need help in figuring out how to go about restoring the bag. This is my first vintage bag (with memories) and don't wat to ruin it. It smells a little musty, has quite a few scuff marks, front two corners show fading/discolouration and there are 4 discoloured spots on the back pocket. There is a white stain inside and a white fingerprint mark. The leather seems dry and wrinkled, but I am no expert. The edges on the strap look frayed and need help too. I have attached pictures for reference. So, how do I

1) Clean or wash the bag ? I have read a few posts on threads where they have soaked and dried, is it advisable for my bag ?

2) What conditioners have you used successfully for such bags ? I have a Cadillac Cleaner and Conditioner
You think conditioning should take care of the the scuff marks and discolouration?

3) What to use if the white stains on the inside don't come off on washing ?

4) How many of you have dyed such bags successfully and what type/brands have you used ? I don't know if I will do this step but would like to have information.

Phew...thank you for your help ladies!

So, with great help from this forum, I finally finished cleaning and rehabbing my Coach Willis. I gave it a warm bath in Dove body wash for 15min, scrubbed the inside with a brush (the white marks came right out), stuffed with towels and let dry. Then, I applied Angelus acrylic leather paint in Flat Black on the distressed corners and back pocket, followed by three applications of Leather CPR and ended with Blackrocks. The bag looks much better now, soft and glowing...although the scuff marks are still visible. I have attached the after pictures below.

I do have one more question. Can I buy a loop to put the extra strap in ? Tandy leather has belt loops but not in black.

 

[whateve]

So, with great help from this forum, I finally finished cleaning and rehabbing my Coach Willis. I gave it a warm bath in Dove body wash for 15min, scrubbed the inside with a brush (the white marks came right out), stuffed with towels and let dry. Then, I applied Angelus acrylic leather paint in Flat Black on the distressed corners and back pocket, followed by three applications of Leather CPR and ended with Blackrocks. The bag looks much better now, soft and glowing...although the scuff marks are still visible. I have attached the after pictures below.

I do have one more question. Can I buy a loop to put the extra strap in ? Tandy leather has belt loops but not in black.

Coach doesn't sell them. You might be able to paint the one from Tandy. I've used hair elastics before! This seller on ebay might have something: http://stores.ebay.com/SCECKERT-SILVER-COACH
Looky here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-1-2-Wi...-Sizes-/322435918584?var=&hash=item771270addb

 

[ThriftyOldBag]

Hi, hope you don't mind me butting in but need advice. Got this tote recently in a charity shop, and the top zip has plastic stuff poking out, plus it separates if you open it fully (e.g. like the zip on a jacket). Would be grateful for any repair hints!

 

[marissa214]

Hi, hope you don't mind me butting in but need advice. Got this tote recently in a charity shop, and the top zip has plastic stuff poking out, plus it separates if you open it fully (e.g. like the zip on a jacket). Would be grateful for any repair hints!

I’ve had totes where the zipper separates. It’s so the bag can open fully. I think it’s called a breakaway zipper. It does make it hard to zip the bag back up. I read somewhere on this forum about putting a safety pin near the end of the zipper so that it can’t go past that point. I think you could maybe sew a few stitches with sturdy thread around the zipper before the end of it and that could keep the zip from moving past that point. Anyway, it’s not broken - it’s designed that way.

Not sure about the plastic poking out. Is it stuck in the stitches sewing the leather to the zipper?

 

[ThriftyOldBag]

Thank you! Thought it might be to facilitate full opening, but as you say difficult to rezip. Will try that sewing idea. The plastic (?) Is not stuck in the stitches, but seems to be some sort if reinforcement ... The bag has clearly been well used, and obviously the zip area is especially worn. Lovely squishy leather though Many thanks for the response ...

 

[ziztur]

Hi ladies and gents!

I would like to ask some questions about how to restore/rehab a Chanel Cambon tote bag.

I know this is a Coach Rehab and Repair club but I am a Coachie and I read this thread all the time and there is not a similar Rehab and Repair section over in Chanel. So, may I ask for advice on rehabbing my Chanel here?

 

[Catbird9]

Hi ladies and gents!

I would like to ask some questions about how to restore/rehab a Chanel Cambon tote bag.

I know this is a Coach Rehab and Repair club but I am a Coachie and I read this thread all the time and there is not a similar Rehab and Repair section over in Chanel. So, may I ask for advice on rehabbing my Chanel here?

Sure, ask away! If anyone has suggestions they will reply, and if not, no harm done!

 

[ziztur]

Great!

So basically, I've got this bag. From TPF and my sister, who rehabs Chanel, I know what to do about the dryness, the interior stains, etc.

However, it smells like a boat. Like an old boat that has been sitting around with a leaky cover. Mildew/mold!

I already dunked her, washed her with some stain remover and laundry detergent in a bucket. Right now she is drying in basically this makeshift dryer - a tote with a food dehydrator on top, set as low as it will go which is about 95 degrees. I left it there overnight and it's mostly dry except for on the bottom.

Now it smells 50% less like a boat, but still smells like a boat.

How can I de-stink this bag?

 

[Catbird9]

Hi, hope you don't mind me butting in but need advice. Got this tote recently in a charity shop, and the top zip has plastic stuff poking out, plus it separates if you open it fully (e.g. like the zip on a jacket). Would be grateful for any repair hints!

I’ve had totes where the zipper separates. It’s so the bag can open fully. I think it’s called a breakaway zipper. It does make it hard to zip the bag back up. I read somewhere on this forum about putting a safety pin near the end of the zipper so that it can’t go past that point. I think you could maybe sew a few stitches with sturdy thread around the zipper before the end of it and that could keep the zip from moving past that point. Anyway, it’s not broken - it’s designed that way.

Not sure about the plastic poking out. Is it stuck in the stitches sewing the leather to the zipper?

I do think the plastic is reinforcement for the breakaway zipper. I have a jacket with the same torn plastic thingy: